Aug 27, 2025
20
mins read
Plastic pollution has escalated into a global crisis, with ~460 million tonnes of plastics produced annually (roughly double in two decades), low recycling (~9%), and heavy leakage from single-use plastic into land, rivers, and oceans—driving microplastics and toxic additives through food chains and public health.
In 2022, the United Nations Environment Assembly mandated negotiations for a global plastic treaty to tackle the full life cycle of plastics; after setbacks at Busan (INC‑5.1), talks resumed in Geneva under INC‑5.2 to narrow differences on measures like curbing single-use plastic and advancing extended producer responsibility.
Image credit: DownToEarth
Global plastic treaty negotiations resumed in Geneva in August 2025 under INC‑5.2 (the 5th meeting of the United Nations Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee), aiming to finalize a legally binding pact to end plastic pollution across the full life cycle of plastics.
After INC‑5.1 in Busan (Dec 2024) ended without consensus, 180+ countries reconvened to bridge gaps on core issues (single use plastic curbs, hazardous additives, extended producer responsibility, financing) and advance a draft text for the global plastic treaty.
Table of content
2017: UN Environment Assembly establishes an expert group on marine litter and plastic pollution.
2018: Expert group recommends exploring a global binding agreement.
2019: Commitments from African, Nordic, Pacific, and Caribbean nations to support a global agreement.
2020: EU member states and private companies advocate for a treaty. Business manifesto launched for a global plastics agreement.
2021: Civil Society Manifesto signed by over 700 NGOs urging treaty negotiation.
2022: UN Member States adopt Resolution 5/14 to work toward a legally binding treaty.INC-1 in Uruguay lays groundwork for the treaty.High Ambition Coalition launched to end plastic pollution by 2040.
2023: Drafting of the ‘zero draft’ treaty at INC-3 in Nairobi, Kenya.
2024: INC-4 (Ottawa): Rules for prohibiting problematic plastics discussed.
INC-5.1 (Busan): Final negotiations for treaty by December 2024.
INC-5.2(Geneva): negotiations (August 5–14, 2025, Geneva) aimed to finalize a legally binding global treaty to end plastic pollution but failed to reach a consensus on key issues, preventing its approval
Rapid production surge
Global plastic output has doubled in ~20 years to ~460–414+ million tonnes/year and is projected to keep rising toward ~700–880 Mt by 2040–2050—national policies alone can’t bend this curve; a global plastic treaty is needed to set lifecycle guardrails.
Low recycling, high leakage
Only about ~9% of plastic waste is recycled; a significant share is mismanaged, with a measurable fraction leaking into rivers and oceans each year—requiring common global rules on design, collection, and trade in plastic waste.
Health risks from additives and microplastics
Hazardous additives (e.g., BPA, phthalates) and microplastics detected in air, water, food—and even human blood—underline the need for treaty-based controls on toxic additives and safer product standards across borders.
Ocean and transboundary impacts
Even small leakage volumes cause outsized ecosystem harm; plastics and waste trade are transboundary, so only a legally binding global plastic treaty can harmonize monitoring, reporting, and cross-border controls.
Climate linkage
Plastics contribute a notable share of global GHGs due to fossil feedstocks and energy-intensive production; lifecycle measures (design/reuse/recycled content) under a global plastic treaty can cut upstream emissions, not just end-of-pipe waste.
Fair markets, finance, and EPR
Common extended producer responsibility (EPR) and recycled-content mandates create a level playing field and viable circular markets; predictable finance and technology transfer help developing countries comply without stalling growth.
Plastic Pollution Crisis
Excessive production and poor waste management have triggered a global environmental and health crisis.
Plastics take centuries to decompose; additives like BPA and phthalates leach into soil, water, and food.
Microplastics are now detected in air, water, and human blood, highlighting widespread contamination.
Environmental Impact
8–10 million tonnes of plastic enter the oceans annually, harming marine species.
If unchecked, plastic waste could outweigh fish by 2050.
Land animals also ingest/entangle in debris; production adds 3.5–4% of global GHG emissions, worsening climate change.
Global Response
UNEA-5 (2022) adopted Resolution 5/14 to end plastic pollution by 2040. This resolution provided the mandate for the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop a legally binding treaty.
Negotiations through INC-1 to INC-5 address the plastic lifecycle—from design to disposal.
Consensus remains elusive due to differing national priorities.
India and Developing Countries
India: among top producers and consumers; 9.3 million tonnes mismanaged waste/year.
Actions: ban on select single-use plastics, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules, packaging reforms.
Many developing nations resist strict production caps, citing growth concerns.
Need for Verification & Compliance
Effective treaty needs transparent reporting and monitoring via UNEP platforms.
Ensures all nations meet commitments and share best practices.
Global Waste Pathway
Annual plastic waste: 353 Mt.
23% (82 Mt) mismanaged → 19 Mt leaks on land; 1.7 Mt (0.5%) enters oceans.
Even small leakage causes major ecosystem damage.
Limit Plastic Production
A central aim of the global plastic treaty is to cap virgin plastic polymer production (new plastics from petroleum).
High-ambition countries (Rwanda, Norway, EU) push for a global cap to cut plastic pollution at the source.
Such limits would promote use of recycled and biodegradable materials, aligning with global plastic treaty UPSC goals.
Manage the Full Lifecycle
Treaty covers the entire plastic lifecycle – design, manufacture, consumption, disposal.
Promotes eco-friendly product design, alternatives to single-use plastic, and efficient waste management.
Includes recycling targets and improved waste collection, supporting extended producer responsibility measures.
Phase Out Hazardous Plastics and Chemicals
Plans to eliminate problematic plastics and toxic additives (e.g., certain phthalates).
Proposed timelines (by 2040) for phasing out single-use plastic globally.
Protects human health and ecosystems from chemical contamination.
Global Cooperation and Support
Recognizes plastic pollution as a transboundary problem.
Developed nations to provide financial aid and technology transfer to developing countries.
Ensures no country lags due to lack of resources.
Protecting Environment and Health
Reduces leakage into oceans, soil, air, and food chains.
Safeguards biodiversity, lowers health risks, supports SDGs.
Could become the most significant environmental pact since the Paris Agreement, marking a milestone in ending plastic pollution.
Focus on Pollution, Not Production Caps
India opposes strict caps on primary plastic polymer production, citing risks to economic growth and industrial development.
Advocates targeting plastic pollution through better waste management, extended producer responsibility, and recycling, not blanket output restrictions.
Financial and Technical Support
Calls for robust financial aid, technology transfer, and a multilateral fund to assist developing nations in meeting treaty obligations.
Emphasizes a “Just Transition” to avoid burdening the Global South.
Concerns Over Trade Implications
Warns that certain bans or standards could create unintended trade barriers.
Along with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, stresses that provisions must not unfairly advantage specific economies.
Opposition to Rigid Timelines
Rejects immediate phase-out deadlines for single-use plastic and chemicals.
Seeks flexible, incremental targets based on national capacities and cost feasibility.
Recognition of National Differences
Highlights common but differentiated responsibilities; rules must reflect diverse capacities, per capita use, and waste systems.
Supports adaptable frameworks with support measures for developing nations.
India’s Initiatives
Ban on Single‑Use Plastic (SUPs): Since July 1, 2022, India has banned the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of 19 single-use plastic items—including straws, cutlery, earbuds, balloon sticks, wrapping films, cigarette packets, and thermocol for decor—especially those with high littering potential.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Under revised Plastic Waste Management Rules, producers must manage collection and recycling—enhancing accountability across the lifecycle of plastic products.
Monitoring & Enforcement: Central and state control rooms, along with special enforcement teams, have been established to implement the ban effectively. The CPCB’s Grievance Redressal App empowers citizens to report violations.
Alternative Packaging & Research:
Jute Packaging Material Act, 2010 mandates jute packaging for items like food grains.
Innovative research includes biodegradable packaging from orange peel waste (ICAR‑CCRI & VNIT).
Mycelium-based compostable foam from IIT Madras offers sustainable packaging alternatives.
Digital Initiatives: Platforms like Recykal assist with EPR compliance, digital deposit-refund systems, and efficient waste collection across states.
Cleanup Efforts: Comprehensive waste management strategies in India also emphasize the importance of cleanup activities, alongside recycling and alternative packaging, to address plastic pollution effectively.
Global Efforts
UNEP’s Beat Plastic Pollution Campaign & Targets: Global recycling and waste reduction targets are shaping global plastic treaty goals.
EU Directive on Single‑Use Plastics: The EU bans litter-prone SUP items (cutlery, balloon sticks, etc.), mandates high bottle collection targets (eg. 90% by 2029), and pushes for reduced plastic food packaging.
Global Tourism Plastics Initiative: Led by UNEP, UNWTO, and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the initiative enlists travel stakeholders to eliminate problematic SUP items and adopt reusable alternatives by 2025.
Technological Innovation & PPPs:
Samsara Eco in Australia developed an enzyme-based method to chemically recycle nylon indefinitely by converting plastics into their original molecules.
Mura Technology (UK) is building a plant using HydroPRS to transform mixed plastics into food-grade polymers via supercritical water, with minimal emissions.
Bioplastics Evolution: Companies like Polymateria and Carbios are developing biodegradable additives and enzymatic PET recycling processes to support sustainable materials.
Circular Economy Platforms & PPPs: Public‑private partnerships and startups (e.g., UBQ Materials, waste‑to‑value initiatives) are linking innovation, policy, and finance to turn plastic waste into resources
The fight against plastic pollution via a global treaty is still a work in progress. Looking ahead, several steps and principles are critical to concluding an effective agreement and implementing it successfully:
Continued Negotiations
After INC‑5 (Busan, 2024) ended without agreement, INC‑5.2 resumed in Geneva (Aug 5–14, 2025), using the Chair’s draft as the discussion base.
Despite missing the 2024 deadline, this extension signals a global push for consensus over compromise.
Addressing Key Sticking Points
The chief obstacles remain production limits (Article 6) and toxic chemical regulation both heavily bracketed or omitted.
Some countries seek phased caps and financial compensation; others desire time-bound chemical phase‑outs with support for reformulation.
Inclusive & Equitable Approach
An equitable global plastic treaty upsc-relevant should reflect diverse national capacities—through common but differentiated responsibilities.
Nations like India, China, Saudi Arabia, and Iran stress flexible timelines and support—a key to collective buy-in.
Financial & Technical Assistance
A multilateral fund—akin to the Montreal Protocol model—is being proposed to support recycling infrastructure, technology transfer, and green alternatives for developing nations.
Public, Civil Society Engagement
Civil society, NGOs, and public campaigns (e.g., the High Ambition Coalition) are applying pressure to maintain ambition and accountability.
Implementation & Compliance
Post-treaty nations will require transparent reporting, peer reviews, and capacity-building, especially to track progress on how to reduce plastic pollution.
Prelims
Q1 In India, ‘extend producer responsibility’ was introduced as an important feature in which of the following? (UPSC Prelims 2019)
(a) The Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998
(b) The Recycled Plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999
(c) The e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011
(d) The Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011
Answer: (c)
Q2. Why is there a great concern about the ‘microbeads’ that are released into the environment? (UPSC Prelims 2019)
(a) They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.
(b) They are considered to cause skin cancer in children.
(c) They are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fields.
(d) They are often found to be used as food adulterants.
Answer: (a)
Mains
Q: What are the impediments in disposing of the huge quantities of discarded solid waste which are continuously being generated? How do we safely remove the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (2018)
Q1. What is the Global Plastic Treaty?
A. proposed legally binding international agreement to end plastic pollution by 2040, covering the entire lifecycle of plastics from production to disposal.
Q2. Why did the INC-5 negotiations in Busan fail to reach a consensus?
A. Talks stalled over plastic production caps and chemical curbs – with major producer countries (including India) opposing strict limits due to economic and development concerns.
Q3. How is the Global Plastic Treaty relevant for UPSC?
A. It is a significant topic for UPSC Current Affairs (GS-3 Environment, GS-2 International Relations), exemplifying global efforts in environmental protection and the role of India in multilateral negotiations.
Q4. What are some steps India has taken to reduce plastic pollution?
A. India banned 19 single-use plastic items in 2022, implemented Extended Producer Responsibility in plastic waste rules, tightened packaging standards, and promoted alternatives like jute and cloth bags to cut down plastic waste.
Q5. How can plastic pollution be reduced globally?
A. Key measures include capping virgin plastic production, phasing out single-use plastics, improving waste collection and recycling, innovating biodegradable alternatives, and ensuring international support for countries through finance and technology.
The journey toward a global plastic treaty represents a pivotal moment in environmental diplomacy. If countries can resolve their differences and commit to strong actions, the treaty could herald a new era of international cooperation against plastic pollution – much like the Paris Agreement did for climate change. For India and other developing nations, balancing economic growth with ecological sustainability will be key. Ultimately, transitioning to a circular economy for plastics – where materials are reused and recycled rather than discarded – is essential for long-term sustainability.
Internal Linking Suggestions
How to Begin Your UPSC Preparation : The Ultimate Guide For Beginners
UPSC Previous Year Question Papers with Answers PDF - Prelims & Mains (2014-2024)
40 Most Important Supreme Court Judgements of India : Landmark Judgements UPSC
External Linking Suggestions
UPSC Official Website – Syllabus & Notification: https://upsc.gov.in/
Press Information Bureau – Government Announcements: https://pib.gov.in/
NCERT Official Website – Standard Books for UPSC: https://ncert.nic.in
